Today we’d like to introduce you to Christopher Lovelene.
Hi Christopher, we’re thrilled to have a chance to learn your story today. So, before we get into specifics, maybe you can briefly walk us through how you got to where you are today?
Para Hockey Pride started as just a simple want to give other disabled LGBTQ+ individuals a safe place to play an amazing sport. And as I talked about this want with my amazing teammates and coach, they encouraged me to do it. They helped get me out of my comfort zone and paved the way for Para Pride to start – this team and association would not exist today without them.
I’m sure it wasn’t obstacle-free, but would you say the journey has been fairly smooth so far?
Funding a disabled LGBTQ+ association I would say doesn’t fall under smooth. It requires a lot of outreach and a lot of trust in others because you cannot do everything yourself. I have been extremely lucky in the help I have received but there is a long way to go!
As you know, we’re big fans of you and your work. For our readers who might not be as familiar what can you tell them about what you do?
My work is with creating community and a safe place for the disabled LGBTQ+ to play Para Sports – starting with my favorite, Sled Hockey. I love advocating for inclusive sports, and my openness about being a disabled trans man educates and helps in making teams more accepting and safe. I love what I do but my favorite and most proud moments are when people find themselves through our community, the happiness that comes from them is worth everything. And seeing the joy when they hit the ice as part of our Para Hockey Pride team.. its amazing.
How do you think about happiness?
Para Hockey is what makes me happiest. Going from being able bodied to disabled caused a very hard time for me. I used to hike, do heavy duty jobs, play standup sports, and always just be doing something but once I had to have spine surgery I felt so discouraged. I didn’t know para sports even existed at first, but my friend introduced me to Sled Hockey and I fell in love. Since then I have done Wheelchair Tennis, Adaptive Climbing and Handcycling with still many more sports to try! Every time I get to do something active like that, especially with my community, I am my happiest.
Contact Info:
- Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/parahockeypride/profilecard/?igsh=dXYyaTRnejFnc2Y0
- Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/share/16eysG1Szk/?mibextid=wwXIfr
- Youtube: https://youtube.com/@dishonoredarts?si=b8jaOj5BrMENlSQv
- Other: https://gofund.me/34346c9a
